Mind the Gap

Chapter 32

landonorris: well wishes are much appreciated, see u in 2 weeks 🧡

Lando's POV:

The Italian Grand Prix has just wrapped up, and the Tifosi are losing their minds. Charles won in front of his home crowd, and the roar of Ferrari fans is deafening. I'm up on the podium in P3, which is a solid result, especially with McLaren taking P2 as well. A great day for the team, but let's be real—this is Ferrari's turf, and it's the day for Tifosi. 

As soon as the media briefing finishes, I slip into the back seat of the car taking me back to the hotel. I pull out my phone, my thumb already hovering over Ana's contact. I haven't seen her in over a week, and I miss her like crazy. She's in Turkiye on a Mission with Reyes, so she couldn't make it. I hit FaceTime and after a couple of rings, her face appears on the screen.

"Hey you," I grin, feeling more relaxed now that I can see her.

"Hi, superstar," Ana says with a teasing smile. "Congrats on P3! I was watching from the hotel right after our last meeting of the day. Not bad, Norris. Not bad at all."

"Thanks, babe. Yeah, it's not P1, but I'll take it. The car felt great, and it's always special racing here. Just wish you could've been here too but I know you're busy saving the world or something," I say as the car bumps a bit over the cobblestone streets. "How's everything on your end?"

She laughs softly. "Yeah, well, someone has to. Tiring but good. I actually spoke to Reyes today about everything with Lucas. First time we sat together one-on-one, took 2 hours."

"How'd that go?" I ask, sitting up a little. My stomach tightens just remembering everything about that guy. 

Ana's smile grows a bit wider, relief evident on her face. "He was super supportive. He gets it. Approved my proposal, and I'm officially reassigning someone else to handle Lucas. I'm done with that mess. Plus, the backup plan with Mia is sealed and secured in case."

"That's amazing news," I say, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "No more Lucas to deal with. That's a win."

"I feel lighter actually," she murmurs, leaning against the balcony railing. "Anyway, enough about work. How are you feeling? That crowd was insane."

"It was mad," I agree, chuckling. "But in a good way. The fans here are something else. Charles winning on Ferrari's home turf? You couldn't script it better. But P3 for me feels pretty damn good. And McLaren getting P2 and P3—it's a win for the team."

"I saw that. You guys looked solid out there." Ana's voice softens, and I can tell she's genuinely proud. "I can't wait for you to fly back tomorrow. Are you sure you can stay at my place without me for two days?"

I laugh, thinking about her cozy apartment in Madrid. "Ana, I practically live there already. Your sweet old neighbor, what's her name again? Rosa? She loves me. Every time I pass her in the lobby, she gives me a smile like I'm her long-lost grandson."

Ana laughs, the sound making me grin. "She does love you. You're practically part of the building now."

I shift in my seat as the car pulls up to the hotel. "What do you want me to bring back from Turkiye?" She asks, her voice teasing as if she's waiting for something ridiculous.

I pretend to think for a moment, keeping my tone serious. "I'll have to text you later when I think of something." But I already know what I'm going to say, and I'll send it to her when the moment's right. Something cheeky, something only she'll appreciate. 

We chat for a while longer, and I tell her about the Ferrari celebration party happening later tonight. "It's going to be wild," I say. "But it's their home race. They earned it." 

"You better behave yourself, Lando Norris. No wild shenanigans," she teases, raising an eyebrow.

"I'll behave, promise. But if Charles gets too carried away, I can't be held responsible," I joke back.

She rolls her eyes playfully. "Alright, talk to you later, superstar."

"Will do. Love you," I say before ending the call, feeling much better now that we've talked.

A few hours later, I'm at the Ferrari celebration. The party's in full swing. Charles is making the rounds, and I spot him and Alex being all cute with each other, which makes me miss Ana even more. Seeing them together reminds me of the text I promised to send her earlier.

I pull out my phone and quickly type: You in that moss green bikini you wore in Greece is what I want.

I smirk to myself, knowing she's probably at some serious work dinner right now. Either she'll laugh it off, or freak out receiving a message like that in the middle of a meeting. Either way, it makes me smile just thinking about her reaction.

I tuck my phone back in my pocket and rejoin Daniel. We're chatting about the race, specifically the small tweaks we've made to the car that made a big impact. It's good to talk shop with the guys, and for a moment, I almost forget about the chaos earlier.

That is until I see Savi walking over. Again?

"Uh... should I leave?" Daniel asks, noticing the look on her face as she approaches.

"What? Why?" I ask, glancing over at Savi.

Daniel gives me a knowing look. "Mate, she looks like she's here just for you."

Savi reaches us before I can respond. "Hey, boys," she says, her tone a bit too casual.

"Savi," I say, keeping my voice neutral. "What are you doing here?"

She shrugs, giving me a tight smile. "Just thought I'd stop by. Apparently, my face card as your ex still gets me into places."

Daniel chuckles awkwardly. "Ah, Savi. Haven't changed a bit."

I force a smile but feel uncomfortable. I don't want any drama tonight. "Alright, well, Daniel and I were just heading over to catch up with Carlos and Max. Nice to see you here though."

Savi doesn't seem to get the hint, and instead, lingers. I can sense this is heading somewhere I don't want to go.

Hours pass, and the party's still going. But just as I'm saying my goodbyes to the other drivers, I feel a sudden weight on my arm. I turn to see Savi clinging onto me, her expression frustrated.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"Why do you keep ignoring me?" she snaps. "Do I mean nothing to you now that you're in this new relationship?"

I pull my arm away, taking a step back. "Savi, we've been over this."

She glares at me, her voice rising. "It's like I don't even exist anymore! You were my world, Lando, and now I'm nothing? You just toss me aside like trash?"

I shake my head, trying to stay calm. "Why are you speaking like this? We were finished a year ago. I've moved on and you need to as well." 

Her face twists in anger. "Moved on? With her? What's so special about her, Lando? You think she's going to stick around when things get tough? She's probably only with you for the fame."

That's when I lose it.

"Don't you dare talk about her like that," I snap, my voice hard. "You don't know her. And you don't know us."

Savi crosses her arms, clearly not backing down. "I know enough. You'll regret this one day. You'll see I was the one who actually cared."

I feel my patience snap. "Savi, stop. You're making this into something it's not."

She stares at me, her chest rising and falling with frustration, but I've had enough. Without another word, I turn and walk away, leaving her standing there. I heard her screaming like a child but I don't look back. 

Whatever Savi's problem is, it's not mine anymore. That chapter of my life is closed.